MAM
Hafele Appliances elevates culinary experience at masterclass by former MasterChef Australia judges
Mumbai: MasterChef Australia ex-judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris proudly presented the Conosh Masterclass with Hafele, the pioneer in premium home solutions, across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Conosh played a pivotal role in organizing these masterclasses, bringing forth a celebration of flavors, expertise, and gastronomic delights. In collaboration with event partners Bauer Bodoni, the event showcased a seamless blend of culinary artistry and innovative home solutions.
The stage was set for an immersive experience where each esteemed judge imparted their culinary wisdom through the series of masterclasses. Mehigan unveiled his treasured recipes and baked an eggless chocolate lamington, sharing insights and techniques that have made him an icon in the culinary world. Calombaris, renowned for his innovation and passion for food, captivated the audience with his unique recipe of Calombaris’s Almond Baklava. Matt Preston, the maestro of food storytelling, presented his distinctive recipe for a caramelized white chocolate tart with green and gold crumb, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
As the day unfolded, the Certification Ceremony and Photo-Op session marked a pinnacle moment, where participants enjoyed the presence of all three culinary luminaries, immortalizing the experience in cherished photographs. This intimate session paved the way for a convivial lunch where flavours mingled with conversations, creating unforgettable memories.
Speaking about the Masterclass with the MasterChefs, Hafele India Pvt Ltd business head ( Appliances Surfaces & Water Solutions) Balakrishnan Pillai said, “It is immensely gratifying to witness our brand at the forefront of culinary innovation. The Masterclass series epitomizes our commitment to elevating kitchen experiences, showcasing our dedication to precision, passion, and the artistry of culinary excellence.”
Hafele’s dedication to revolutionising kitchen experiences aligns perfectly with the ethos of this Masterclass series. The fusion of culinary artistry and cutting-edge technology exemplifies Hafele’s commitment to transform ordinary kitchens into exceptional spaces and to inspire culinary excellence for chefs and home cooks alike.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
